Title

Authors

Publication Date

April 2016

Advisor(s)

Lori Gruen

Major

Anthropology

Language

English (United States)

Abstract

This thesis is an ethnographic and auto-ethnographic exploration of the intersubjective nature of our inevitable entanglements with other humans, animals and the earth. It elucidates how relationships between horses and humans are often reflective of structural ideologies of domination and mastery over others. It takes an intersectional approach to exploring alternative ways of relating with horses that could transcend this hierarchical logic of domination, focusing on the importance of shared vulnerability, a recognition of individuality, and an attitude of openness rather than control. Ultimately, these insights from horses function as a window into more reciprocal ways of connecting to others; using my experiences with horses as a jumping off point, this project seeks to re-conceive our relationships with our other human and non-human earthly cohabitants.